Coodes grows conveyancing team to meet increased demand

Coodes Solicitors has appointed two new conveyancers to help meet growing demand from people looking to buy or sell properties in Cornwall.

With the latest figures suggesting a 140% increase in interest in properties in Cornwall, Coodes is facing significant demand for its conveyancing services. The South West law firm is growing its award-winning Residential Property team to ensure it continues to offer clients the very best service.

Solicitor Heidi Start has been appointed as Head of the Later Living team. Based in Coodes’ Newquay office, she previously worked for law firms in North Cornwall. Combining her background in wills and probate with her conveyancing experience, she will support clients who need advice on property issues in later life. These include equity release, deferred payment agreements, retirement housing and deeds of gifts.

Legal Executive Michelle Hawkins brings conveyancing experience spanning two decades. Having previously worked for Coodes, she brings a wealth of knowledge of working in Penzance and West Cornwall. Michelle is highly skilled at dealing with complex properties, including those with historic features and unusual access rights. In addition, she has expertise in equity release and probate matters.

Partner and Head of Residential Property Maria Richards said: “Michelle and Heidi’s appointments are part of our ongoing growth strategy. The property market in Cornwall is booming and we need to grow our team to ensure we continue to meet demand while maintaining the high standards of service for which we are known.

“Heidi and Michelle not only bring a wealth of legal knowledge but are both embedded in their communities. Michelle brings unparalleled property experience in Penzance and West Cornwall, while Heidi is a key member of the business community in North Cornwall.

“During the pandemic, clients have looked to us to help them navigate the fast-changing residential property market. Focusing on our values of excellent communication and transparency, while also adapting to new ways of working, we have supported people buying and selling properties at a very difficult time. As we look to the future, we are focused on further growth to ensure we can continue to offer the very best service to all our clients.”

Coodes is currently recruiting for six more professionals to join its Residential Property team across Cornwall and Devon.